Hi all! I'm very unversed in my 2014 MINI Cooper Countryman and in cars in general. First off - I'm very sorry if this is in the wrong thread! I tried my best to put in the right one, but please let me know if it is the wrong place and I will delete and repost in the right one.

My warranty just expired, so I am looking for a new mechanic. I'm wondering if it is vital for me to go to a MINI/BMW specialist. I do not do anything special with my MINI - just work (less than 20 miles away) and personal (errands and driving home).
Also, should I just go back to the dealership instead of finding a new mechanic?

If anyone has any experiences going to a non-MINI/BMW specialist or has any reasons why I need to go to one, please let me know! My friend has a non-MINI and goes to a reliable general mechanic that has cheaper rates than the MINI/BMW specialist I found online. I am in Massachusetts. And a poor college student.

 

You'll either need to go to dealer or Mini specialist mechanic. My mechanic who does all the work on my cars after warranty won't touch my Mini. Mini's require special tools, nuts, bolts, et al. My mechanic told me he'd never get enough Mini business to justify the expense in equipment he'd have to purchase.

 

Do you go to a dealer or a specialist? For me, the dealer is about 30 miles further and I'm not sure about pricing. I got a quote for oil change $70 from a Google-found specialist I've never been to, and trying to find out pricing for dealer.

Also, thank you for sharing!

 

Call dealer and ask for price. Personally, I go to my dealer, even out of warranty. Among other things, I always get a loaner. There is a Mini/BMW specialist a couple miles from my house, while dealer is 10 miles away. No big deal, but the specialists' lot has customer cars parked inches from each other and all I can think when I drive by is MAJOR DOOR DINGS. In the past, I've always found an independent mechanic for my non=Mini cars. The Mini is strictly dealer treated. (except for ceramic coating)

 

I have a trusted mechanic who keeps up to date with most things BMW or MINI. They are also restoration specialists currently working on a frame off restoration of a classic mini. If you go the aftermarket route, the hardest part is finding a mechanic you trust and keeps their knowledge up to date. For the most part, aftermarket specialist will fix minor things that may be broken. A dealer will simply replace parts. Replacing parts could get very expensive if the problem is really minor, but the part replacement is a major thing.

I also take it to the dealer sometimes as I have good relationship with them. They typically give me a good discount on parts and labor that puts them in line with after market pricing, and you get quality MINI parts.

 

https://www.minirepairshops.com/

 

The dealer closest to me quotes $90 for an oil change, though I won't know until I go in if there's anything else that needs work. I think I will try the specialist - they have solid reviews on BMW/MINI repair shop finder sites and is much closer. I'm planning on asking lots of questions and assessing the area first! Thanks so much for your insight.

 

Thank you for your comment! What is the aftermarket route? So, you typically go to a trusted mechanic but will occasionally go to the dealer? I currently have no lights coming on or am experiencing any issues, so I think I'm just looking to bring my car in for a routine maintenance appointment...I am meeting a new mechanic (since I am away from home for school) this week.

 

Dealer for oil changes. Usually the best price other than DIY. They will also look for problems so they can charge you lots of $$ for them. At that point you have to know enough to say yes, need more research or head to a shop that will handle it for less money.

I've found that the indy shops will just fix what you ask them to but not look for anything beyond that. So having both options available offers more coverage.

 

Same here. My dealer typically does a spring deal on the oil change for $70. I'm way too old to crawl under the car for a DIY. Wife only drives it around 5k miles per year.

When I had it changed recently, they came back with the 'list'. Car is a 2012 S with about 60k miles.

New spark plugs $200
Replace brake fluid $130
Replace cabin air filter $120
Replace engine air filter $50

Asked why the cabin filter was so expensive, he said extra labor to vacuum out the box. Anyways, I replaced both air filters for about $50 in OEM parts (and thank you youtube). Found the correct plugs on Amazon for about $65, might tackle that myself. I know at 60k miles they are due. Will have them do the brake fluid next time I take it in.

 

Thank you! I found a specialist who does it for $70 and dealership near me does $90..I think I will try and see if the specialist will do a quick look for any other issues and hope they do not charge me extra. Perhaps next time I will take it to the dealer and see!